LAS VEGAS, NV — USGBC's LEED Platinum certification is awarded to projects that achieve over 80 points in the LEED rating system. These project teams go above and beyond to ensure their projects are designed, constructed, and operated to the highest level of sustainability. Among the LEED Platinum projects certified in USGBC's Mountain region communities this year are school and university buildings, affordable and senior housing, commercial projects, and private residences.Located in the heart of Santa Fe, the 121-unit Pasa Tiempo senior apartment community received LEED Platinum certification in February. Funded in part by a $500,000 affordable housing program grant from New Mexico Bank and Trust and FHLB Dallas, the six renovated courtyard buildings achieved a worst case HERS score of 34 through a robust envelope, high-efficiency HVAC system, and rooftop photovoltaic system.Exhibition homes in Las Vegas, The New American Home 2020 and The New American Remodel 2020, demonstrate that advancements in energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and universal design can be incorporated into any new home or remodel to optimize performance. Both projects feature reflective insulation as a cost-effective approach to creating high R-value walls, accomplish over 50 percent water use reduction via low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation, and achieve a negative HERS rating via rooftop solar panels.The SLC Fire Station 03 is designed to operate at a net zero energy level, incorporating a super-insulated envelope with triple-paned glazing and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The design of the building features a sloping roof that maximizes solar exposure for its 108 KW photovoltaic array, and the entire paving on-site is drained and filtered into a bioswale planted with native shrubs.With outdoor learning spaces, natural daylighting, acoustic conditioning, and interactive interiors, Kent Denver’s Upper School North is designed to maximize the student experience. Certified LEED Platinum in May 2020, this project joined the Middle School (LEED Platinum), Schaden Dining Hall (LEED Platinum), and the Yates Pavilion (LEED Gold) in demonstrating the school’s commitment to sustainability in new construction.This year, 23 homes join the list of LEED Platinum projects developed, built, and owned by Fair and Square Builders, named a LEED Homes Power Builder in 2018. The 19 Enchanted Hills townhomes are the first phase of a 90-unit complex, receiving a HERS score in the mid-40s. They demonstrate reduced heat conduction and superior thermal bypass performance. The four Homes on Griegos earned HERS score of 46 with an above-code envelope and highly efficient equipment to keep utility bills low and comfort levels high.Arizona State University’s Hayden Library Renovation preserved 9,000 metric tons of embodied carbon from the structural system and opaque building envelope in place. The building features active chilled beams, high-performance glazing, and an indoor-outdoor connection that will benefit the next generation of ASU students, faculty, and staff, as well as the broader community.Located in the South Park Hill neighborhood of Denver, the Cherry House uses approximately 50 percent less energy than other households of its size, due to low-tech design choices such as closed-cell foam insulation at the roof level rather than the attic floor, ensuring the ductwork lies within the thermal envelope.Urban Living on Fillmore was built by Native American Connections, an organization that improves the lives of individuals and families through Native American behavioral health, affordable housing, and community development services. Located minutes away from the light rail, this 63-unit building provides residents the ability to live close to jobs, schools, shopping, cultural communities, art, and recreational opportunities that are easily accessed by walking or public transportation.Arizona State University’s first LEED Platinum-certified residence hall, Lantana Hall, was constructed using a wooden frame and a concrete podium hybrid system with a shell including accent metal paneling and fiber cement board. Of the waste generated during this project, 75 percent was diverted to recycling facilities.